Best Stainless Steel Food Steamers

Updated December 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Farberware 3-Quart Covered Stack 'n' Steam Saucepot and Steamer
Farberware
3-Quart Covered Stack 'n' Steam Saucepot and Steamer
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Bottom Line

A durable 2-in-1 pot that can be used as a 3-quart sauce pot or as a steamer.

Pros

Constructed from polished stainless steel with a thick aluminum core for even heating. Durable build. Use it as a steamer, or as a 3-quart pot to boil, heat, or simmer. Dishwasher safe, and oven safe to 350 degrees F. Comfortable phenolic handles.

Cons

Some found this to be smaller than they expected. The handles can get hot, to the point of smelling toxic.

Best Bang for the Buck
TOPOKO Vegetable Steamer Basket
TOPOKO
Vegetable Steamer Basket
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Bottom Line

While not the most durable option, this steamer/strainer is inexpensive and easy to use.

Pros

Can be used with a pressure cooker, or any pot that is 8" in diameter or greater. Fully collapsible. Made from premium stainless steel. 9" total diameter when opened, with 1" legs. Center ring for safely lifting it out of pots. Decent price. Easy to use.

Cons

Some reports that this option easily rusts after a few months, or that it falls apart easily.

Cook N Home 8-Quart Pasta Cooker Steamer
Cook N Home
8-Quart Pasta Cooker Steamer
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Bottom Line

A sturdy and versatile steamer and pasta cooker set, although you may have to put some time into cleaning it well before use.

Pros

Complete set includes an 8-quart stockpot, a pasta insert, a steamer insert, and a glass lid. Lid is made from tempered glass and has a steam vent. All pieces are dishwasher safe. Sturdy polished stainless steel construction with an aluminum disc insert for even heating.

Cons

Some reports that this option comes covered with a gray/black production residue that is hard to wash off.

The Stackable Steamer Stackable Steamer
The Stackable Steamer
Stackable Steamer
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Bottom Line

You can cook multiple items at once with this stackable steaming solution, but set aside a little extra time to do so.

Pros

Works well for pressure cookers, pots ranging from 5- to 7-quarts, and instant pots. 2 levels let you cook 2 different foods simultaneously. Good for baking, reheating, and steaming. Dishwasher safe. Comes with a silicon handling mat and an interlocking handle.

Cons

This option can take longer to cook an item than other steamers.

Circulon Universal Steamer
Circulon
Universal Steamer
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Bottom Line

This steamer is lightweight, easy to clean, and works with a wide array of pots, but does not come with one itself.

Pros

Universal steamer with lid can fit on pots with 2- to 4-quart capacity. Works with both straight-sided and tulip-shaped pots. Easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. Cooks food quickly. Lightweight but durable. Oven safe to 500 degrees F.

Cons

You'll need to provide your own pot to use this with. Some felt that this was smaller than expected.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

38 Models Considered
7 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
473 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

If you want to create healthy entrees and side dishes, a stainless steel food steamer is an excellent addition to your kitchen. Stainless steel food steamers can either be electric and standalone or stovetop models. The stovetop variety comes in either a foldable/collapse design that fits inside a pot, or a perforated metal pan that fits inside another pan. Some steamers come with a second pan while others are designed to fit within a pan you already own. A few insertable models can be used in a pan, pressure cooker, or multifunction cooker (like an Instant Pot). And, to cut down on cleaning time, look for models that are dishwasher safe.

The team that worked on this review
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Rich
    Rich
    Writer
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Farberware

3-Quart Covered Stack 'n' Steam Saucepot and Steamer

Farberware

3-Quart Covered Stack 'n' Steam Saucepot and Steamer

A durable 2-in-1 pot that can be used as a 3-quart sauce pot or as a steamer.
$37
×

TOPOKO

Vegetable Steamer Basket

TOPOKO

Vegetable Steamer Basket

While not the most durable option, this steamer/strainer is inexpensive and easy to use.
$8
×

Cook N Home

8-Quart Pasta Cooker Steamer

Cook N Home

8-Quart Pasta Cooker Steamer

A sturdy and versatile steamer and pasta cooker set, although you may have to put some time into cleaning it well before use.
$36
×

The Stackable Steamer

Stackable Steamer

The Stackable Steamer

Stackable Steamer

You can cook multiple items at once with this stackable steaming solution, but set aside a little extra time to do so.
$24
×

Circulon

Universal Steamer

Circulon

Universal Steamer

This steamer is lightweight, easy to clean, and works with a wide array of pots, but does not come with one itself.
$27

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